Delroy Lindo Addresses BAFTA Racial Slur Incident

The veteran actor spoke out at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards about the controversy.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Delroy Lindo, the 73-year-old star of Malcolm X, addressed the racial slur incident that occurred at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards during his appearance at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California. The incident involved Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson, who shouted the N-word during an involuntary vocal tic while Lindo and his Sinners co-star Michael B. Jordan were on stage.

Why it matters

The BAFTA incident sparked outrage and renewed discussions about representation, inclusivity, and sensitivity towards individuals with Tourette's in the entertainment industry. Lindo's comments at the NAACP Image Awards provided an opportunity for him to address the controversy and show support for his fellow actors.

The details

On Saturday, February 28, Lindo and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, 39, presented an award at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium during the NAACP Image Awards. In his remarks, Lindo said: "I'd just like to officially say, I appreciate, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend."

  • The BAFTA Film Awards took place on February 22, 2026.
  • Lindo addressed the incident at the NAACP Image Awards on February 28, 2026.

The players

Delroy Lindo

A 73-year-old veteran actor known for his roles in films like Malcolm X.

John Davidson

A Tourette syndrome advocate who shouted a racial slur during an involuntary vocal tic at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.

Michael B. Jordan

Lindo's co-star in the film Sinners.

Ryan Coogler

The 39-year-old director of the film Black Panther.

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What they’re saying

“I'd just like to officially say, I appreciate, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend.”

— Delroy Lindo (NAACP Image Awards)

The takeaway

Lindo's comments at the NAACP Image Awards demonstrate his and the industry's commitment to addressing issues of representation, inclusivity, and sensitivity towards individuals with disabilities like Tourette's syndrome in a thoughtful and constructive manner.